When it comes to outfit colour for family photography in Edmonton, choosing the right outfits colour is just as important as picking the perfect location. As an Edmonton family photographer, I know how much thoughtful wardrobe choices can elevate your photo session and create timeless images you’ll treasure.
In this guide, I’ll share my best tips on what colours to wear for family photos, how to coordinate without matching exactly, and how to select outfit colours that work with Edmonton’s natural backdrops year-round.
What Colours to Wear for My Edmonton Family Pictures
If you browse my Edmonton family outfit guide, you’ll notice a lot of families dressed in white, beige, and soft pastel tones. These colours are ideal for creating light, clean, and timeless family photos that focus on connection and emotion—not the clothes.
I know some families are big fans of white outfits. If that’s the case, all-white outfits are a safe and easy choice for outdoor family sessions here in Edmonton. But for others who don’t like white or beige, that’s totally okay too. You can definitely choose other colours to wear.
That said, you’re not limited to white! Here are some of my favourite outfit colour choices for outdoor family photoshoots in Edmonton:
- Soft blue
- Dusty pink
- Light grey
- Taupe and beige
- Cream and oatmeal
- Sage green
These light, muted colours work beautifully with the golden hour sunlight, lush greens, and vivid wildflowers we often find in Edmonton’s natural parks, trails, and open spaces.
Colour choice for family outfits
If you are considering blue tone, this is a exapmple that you can consider:
If you are thinking pink tone:
Or a green and yellow tone:
Why should you avoid heavy colours?
One of the reasons I ask everyone to avoid heavy colours or black is because I don’t want that part of your outfit to become the focus of the photo. Your connection and your faces are the most important parts we want to capture in your family photos. Since we are creating light and airy images, there won’t be any darkened areas in the photo. If you decide to wear dark or heavy colours, they will end up being the main focus.
Do Family Outfits Have to Match?
One of the most common questions I get as a family portrait photographer in Edmonton is: Do we all have to match for family pictures?
The answer is: No! You don’t need to match perfectly. In fact, I recommend that families coordinate rather than match. For example, if mom is wearing dusty rose, dad can wear light grey, and the kids can wear soft blue or oatmeal. As long as everyone is within the same soft, relevant colour palette, the final look will be cohesive and natural.
Build Your Own Colour Palette for Edmonton Family Sessions
If you want to explore colour combinations beyond what I suggest, here are two easy ways to create a visually pleasing look:
- Monochromatic palette: Stick with one base colour (like beige or soft blue) and use different shades and tones throughout the outfits. It’s a easy proof approach for family photo outfits that always look polished.
- Analogous palette: Choose 2–3 colours that sit side-by-side on the colour wheel (such as blush, peach, and apricot). This is great if you want a little more colour but still want things to feel harmonious.
Whether you’re planning your family session at Hawrelak Park, Mill Creek Ravine, or the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, the key is to choose colours that complement the location and season.
Neutral Outfit Ideas for Family Photos in
If you’re drawn to neutral tones for family photography, you’re not alone! Neutral outfits create a soft, timeless look that fits beautifully with Edmonton’s natural settings.
Here are some ideas:
- Shirts and dresses: Cream, ivory, oatmeal, soft grey, or muted olive
- Pants and bottoms: Tan, khaki, soft denim, or warm brown tones
Just one tip: Avoid colours too close to your skin tone, especially under bright sunlight. Some contrast helps ensure you stand out while still keeping the overall tone soft and gentle.
What to Wear for Seasonal Family Photos in Edmonton
If you’re planning a session with an Edmonton family photographer in fall, I want your family outfits to still stay in light and soft colours, but now you can embrace warm, earthy tones like:
- Peachy orange
- Soft mustard
- Cocoa
These colours look stunning against Edmonton’s fall foliage.
I personally would avoid anything blue or green, as it can create a cooler feeling and make you stand out from the picture.
Final Tips from an Edmonton Family Photographer
No matter the season or location, remember:
- Comfort is key—pick something that makes every family member able to run, jump, sit, and lay down
- Avoid logos and loud patterns that may distract from your family connection
- Stay true to your personal style while keeping the overall palette soft and cohesive
If you’re unsure what to wear, I offer personalized guidance as part of your session prep—including outfit planning tools and inspiration boards tailored to your location and the time of year. I also have a blog about how to dress for Edmonton outdoor family photoshoot.
Ready to Book Your Family Session?
If you’re looking for an Edmonton family photographer who can help you with every detail—from planning your outfits to finding the best locations—I’d love to connect with you. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Get in touch with me to start planning your dream family photo session!
Samantha, the visionary behind Little One Photo, is a passionate photographer with a special gift for capturing the essence of newborns and families. With over a decade of experience, she has honed her craft to create timeless, emotive portraits that families cherish for generations. Samantha’s warm personality and patient approach put even the tiniest clients at ease, allowing her to capture genuine moments of connection and love.
